Skills and employability

The British Council is committed to working in partnerships to develop high-quality skills systems that help both individuals and economies to prosper and promote stable societies. We believe that sustainable change can occur when skills development activities, such as vocational and higher technical education and professional and enterprise skills training, are aligned with the future needs of industry.

Improving skills systems

We work with governments, employers and others to reform policy and improve the relevance and quality of public and private skills systems. We focus on ways of engaging employers, understanding the labour market and incorporating a holistic approach to quality assurance.

Strengthening skills bodies

We work with skills bodies so that they are equipped to deal with current challenges and adapt and respond to new ones. Our partners include employer representative organisations, qualification authorities, employment services and education and training institutions.

Developing skills teaching and learning

We support leaders, managers, teachers and trainers to develop high-quality, competency-based curricula and to deliver these in innovative and stimulating ways. This includes technical, English language, employability and enterprise skills.

Supporting employment and enterprise

We work with employment and enterprise support services to design innovative ways of helping individuals to reach their potential, from getting a job that uses their skills to developing a successful small business.